OK hello about to do a task for the first time so any suggestions so I do it correctly are welcome Picture one is of new 21 inch split rim (on spare old wheel) Picture 2 is of new 21 inch tire Picture 3 of tube liner I am assuming that I in order of work Place tube in tire since the liner is labeled ‘tube side” by valve hole in the liner, I assume I place liner then atop tube between tube and split rim I then will need to very carefully compress the split rim with the three armed tool. Work tire ad tube over wheel lining up the tube stem then slowly release rim to full size and latch I have read NOT to inflate tube more than 15 pounds while off the wheel

Also I do not see the reason for using a tube liner. I see no sharp projections on a new 21 inch split rim. Am I missing something? Can the liner be discarded or is it used only on old rust rims?? Thanks please add suggestions on how to do it easier

The liner does at least two things: it makes it less likely that you will pinch the tube when mounting the tire and it will keep the tube from rubbing on the inside of the rim which could cause the tube to develop a leak. I had a flat one time because the rim rubbed a hole in the tube.

The flap or liner as you say is a must with a split rim, with out it you are almost assured of a flat. Make sure the flap is in place around the inside of the tire and is not folded anywhere, add a little air to keep it all in place, mount your tire and finish airing up. KB

I did this just last month as a first-timer, so my comments are not based on expertise. They are mostly meant to assure you it is not as big a deal as it might seem. I found it much easier to do without the tool; it is not much different than replacing a bicycle tire and tube. Check youtube for an instructional video. At risk of displaying my ignorance, I don't see in your photograph where the bolts fit too attach the split rim to the spoked wheel. I mention this because I felt that one factor that made the mounting procedure relatively simple was being able to put the tire,tube and liner on the split rim first, then just bolt it to the spoked wheel, which I left on the car. I trust that if I am steering you wrong someone will jump in and say so.

David: Do not use the rim jack to collapse the rim. There is a high probability that you will distort the rim and end up with junk. Once you have the rim joint separated, start the tire on the rim and let the rim collapse naturally using your tire irons. Once the tire is on the rim, then you use the rim jack to gently expand the rim and reset the joint. As you get close, you may need to tap the rim with a soft/rubber mallet to help with the expanding. Do not use extreme force in expanding the rim as you will make junk of it very quickly. If you have anymore questions, you can click on my name and we can talk off forum.

Well I got it together after some trial and error. I did find this film on you tube on putting a tire on a 21 inch rim which may help someone in the future. I have decided I do not like changing 21 inch split rims. i will need to study why Ford changed to this design, then went to a one piece rim in 1928

David, the development of the lower pressure straight sided balloon tyres led to the split rim idea. Other rims had lock rings to go on after the tyre and if these were not installed absolutely correctly, it could be disastrous for the tyre fitter. The split rim was a safer idea.

The model T wire wheels with their drop centres preceded the A model wires. This one piece rim was a vast improvement.